At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform payroll operations across multiple entities with a focus on structure and accountability.
- Company: Dynamic HR and Payroll recruitment agency based in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80K, 10% bonus, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a team and implement best practices in a high-volume environment.
- Why this job: Shape a payroll function from the ground up and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in payroll and strong character for team management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 € per year.
This is not a steady-state role. This is a “step in, take control, and transform” opportunity for a senior payroll leader who knows how to bring structure, accountability, and credibility to a function that needs it. If you’ve ever wanted to properly shape a payroll & reward operation, this is your moment.
The reality:
- High-volume, multi-entity payroll environment
- A team of 6 that needs strong, visible leadership
- Processes that require tightening, structure, and modernisation
- A function that needs someone who can take ownership and raise standards quickly
You’ll be the right-hand to the Head of HR Ops, owning payroll, pensions and benefits while driving real change.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading payroll across multiple entities (weekly & monthly)
- Bringing control, governance, and accountability to the team
- Acting as the senior escalation point for complex payroll issues
- Overseeing pensions, benefits, and salary sacrifice schemes
- Driving automation, process improvement, and transformation
- Partnering with HR & Finance to build a best-in-class function
What they need:
- Proven leadership of 5+ payroll professionals
- Strong character able to delegate, challenge, and hold people accountable
- Solid exposure to pensions & benefits
- Someone who thrives in environments that need structure and direction
The setup:
- Birmingham (2–3 days in office)
- £75,000 (flex to £80K for the right person)
- 10% bonus
Why this role stands out:
- You’re not inheriting a polished function, you’re building one.
- This is a chance to:
- Put your stamp on a payroll & reward operation
- Develop and reshape a team
- Deliver visible, business-critical change
Senior Payroll Manager in Birmingham employer: JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™
As a Senior Payroll Manager at our Birmingham location, you will be part of a dynamic team that thrives on transformation and innovation. We offer a supportive work culture that values leadership and accountability, alongside competitive benefits including a generous salary and bonus structure. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact on our payroll operations, this role is perfect for those looking to shape their career in a meaningful way.
Contact Detail:
JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR space. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially roles that involve transformation and leadership. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great position!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your leadership stories. Think about times you've taken control and driven change in payroll processes. We want you to showcase your ability to bring structure and accountability to a team – that's what will impress potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your vision of reshaping payroll functions. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills. Tailor your approach to show how you can elevate their payroll operations!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation that highlights your enthusiasm for transforming their payroll function. It keeps you top of mind and shows your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience leading payroll teams. We want to see how you've taken charge in previous roles and what impact you've made. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to delegate and hold your team accountable.
Emphasise Transformation Experience:This role is all about transformation, so don’t shy away from sharing your past successes in modernising payroll processes. We’re looking for candidates who can bring structure and drive real change, so tell us how you’ve done this before!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the job description. We want to see that you understand the unique challenges of a high-volume, multi-entity payroll environment. Make it clear how your skills align with what we need.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™
✨Understand the Transformation Challenge
Before your interview, take some time to really grasp what it means to transform a payroll function. Research common challenges in high-volume payroll environments and think about how you can bring structure and accountability. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led similar transformations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Senior Payroll Manager, your leadership will be crucial. Prepare to discuss your approach to leading a team of payroll professionals. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to delegate, challenge, and hold team members accountable. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your leadership style and how it has positively impacted your previous teams.
✨Highlight Process Improvement Experience
This role requires someone who can drive automation and process improvement. Come prepared with examples of how you've modernised payroll processes in the past. Discuss any tools or technologies you've implemented that have streamlined operations, and be ready to explain the results of those changes.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given that you'll be the senior escalation point for complex payroll issues, it's essential to prepare for potential scenario-based questions. Think about the most challenging payroll issues you've faced and how you resolved them. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your ability to maintain governance and control in a high-pressure environment.
